Virginia State Snake

Official State Snake; Reptile Symbol of Virginia

The Virginia Senate designated the eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) as the official state snake in February 2016 (also the reptile symbol of Massachusetts). All State Reptiles

It was 11-year-old Aiden Coleman who championed the garter snake as a symbol of Virginia. Aiden sought support from his state representative (Del. Brenda Pogge, R-James City County, who became HB335's patron) and helped to make his case to lawmakers in Richmond.

An argument was made for the timber rattlesnake, but during the debate, senators made hissing and rattling sounds, and in the end, the garter snake won by a landslide 33-6 vote.